Inspire 2026 Faculty on From Curiosity to Care: Inside Nursing and Healthcare Professions Summer Course
"I'm looking forward to interacting, engaging, and inspiring the students to choose Nursing or any of the many other careers in healthcare." - Gretchen Wiersma
From Curiosity to Care: Inside Nursing and Healthcare Professions is an interactive course that introduces students to nursing and allied health professions through teamwork, hands-on simulations, and real-world case studies. Students will explore diverse healthcare roles, learn about educational and training pathways, and gain insight into clinical environments while reflecting on their own interests in caring for others and improving patient outcomes. Below, meet Gretchen Wiersma, the instructor for this brand-new Inspire course for Summer 2026!
Q: Tell us about your journey into the nursing field and how you developed your expertise in the field?
My journey into the nursing field began in high school. I always had an interest in science and health and knew that I wanted a job where I could interact with people, as I am a very social person. In high school, I applied to and was accepted into a four-year nursing program to earn my BSN. While in college, wanting more than just nursing, I explored opportunities in military nursing and learned that serving as an Army Nurse offered the chance to travel. I liked traveling, so I pursued more information. The next thing I knew, I was enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), and when I graduated and passed the NCLEX, I began working as an Army Nurse and was stationed in Germany. So yes, I did get to travel.
During my first few years as a nurse, I was drawn to caring for children, and pediatrics became my specialty. Fast forward a few years, and I discovered a natural calling to teach nursing. I transitioned into education, earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and have been in nursing education for the last 25 years. To further strengthen my expertise, I became a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) and a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE). These credentials, combined with my doctoral preparation, have allowed me to lead curriculum development, integrate innovative teaching strategies, and mentor future nurses with confidence and evidence-based practices.
Q: What knowledge and skills can students expect to learn in From Curiosity to Care: Inside Nursing and Healthcare Professions this summer?
Students will explore a wide range of careers within the healthcare system—from entry-level roles to advanced positions that require professional degrees. Throughout the week, they will:
- Participate in hands-on activities to practice basic skills associated with different healthcare roles.
- Engage with guest speakers who share real-world insights about their professions.
- Experience a nursing simulation lab, where they’ll learn about simulation technology and take part in simulated clinical scenarios.
This combination of interactive learning and professional exposure will help students understand the diverse opportunities in healthcare and develop foundational skills.
Q: Do students need a background in nursing or healthcare to be successful in this class?
No, students do not need a background in nursing or healthcare to be successful in this class. They just need to come with curiosity and a desire to engage in and participate in fun activities.
Q: What advice do you have for students interested in taking your class this summer?
To come ready to have fun, make new friends, and learn about a potential career in healthcare.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about Inspire this summer?
Interacting, engaging and inspiring the students to choose nursing or any of the many other careers in healthcare.